One of the most disappointing developments of the 21st Century was the “ironic” appropriation of needlework by trendy subcultures. Seriously. Those of us who learned to knit or crochet early on already had to deal with being called “old lady” in elementary school; the hipster designation is officially less cute.
Granted, knitting and crocheting might not be the widely-valued (and totally necessary) skill it once was, but don’t let frustrating labels deter you! Crafting your own garments and accessories is a seriously old and glorious tradition worthy of modern praise.
If you’ve ever given learning to knit or crochet even a passing thought, here’s why you should totally follow through:
1. You’ll Always Have an Inexpensive DIY Gift Option
Skeins of quality yarn rarely cost more than $10.00, and you can almost always find killer sales from Mary Maxim. A quick, standard project such as a scarf or a hat won’t cost more than $15.00 including all supplies needed, and once you build up your yarn and needle collection, making gifts becomes even cheaper. Moreover, your friends and family members will always appreciate all the effort and love that went into a handmade item.
2. It’s Soothing
Knitting and crocheting are, effectively, forms of busy work, and once you get the hang of either (or both!), you’ll probably find that you’re able to shut off your brain while you work. The constant hand movement relieves tension, and the repetitive patterns blend really well with background noise.
3. You Have Complete Control Over the Design and Colors
Searching for a sweater, but having trouble finding one in a color or style that suites your taste? Why not make one yourself? When you knit or crochet, you get to choose all the particulars, and even if you’re following a pattern, the finished product is uniquely yours.
4. Custom Clothing Fits Way Better
Before the advent of factory-made clothing and the Industrial Revolution, woolen garments were handmade to fit a custom shape. If you’re the type who has trouble finding your size in ready-made clothing, making your own sweaters and cardigans will release you from the constraints of “off-the-rack” without burning your budget. Custom made clothing looks better on everyone.
5. Increased Respect for Husbandry
Even if they’ve never stood within fifteen feet of a sheep or an alpaca, knitters and crocheters are familiar with the finer aspects of wool production. Most have a very keen understanding of the different fibers available for their craft and all the work that goes into making a quality skein of yarn. In fact, several of them regularly contemplate dropping their cushy corporate jobs and investing in an alpaca farm in Upstate New York. You know…just in case.
6. It’s Productive Fun
Knitting and crocheting are incredibly enjoyable activities, and as an added bonus, they also include tangible evidence of all the fun you had. Wearable, tangible evidence.
7. It’s Never Been Easier to Learn
Years ago, knitters and crocheters who didn’t have the benefit of an older friend or relative’s wisdom had to rely entirely on the pictures and descriptions in their pattern books to execute the more complicated stitches. The photos were vague and frustratingly incomplete, and mistakes were often impossible to detect. Now, if you need to get a better idea of how to perform a particular maneuver, there are at least a thousand different YouTube videos at your disposal, and many small craft stores offer free classes for beginners.
8. You’ll Make Friends With Other Knitters
Hobbies that involve crafting and needlework will always attract the attention of those around you, and in many cases, the attention of other rabid enthusiasts. We know our own kind, and we’re always looking for other yarn lovers to trade tips, share patterns, and just gush about how wonderful knitting really is.
Join us. We promise not to tease you.